Hay Castle
A beacon of art, culture, history, and food at the heart of the Town of Books.
Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
There is lift access to all floors in Hay Castle apart from the cellar (the film on show in the cellar can also be seen on the ipads in the Reading Room). There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor near the café and a further one on the first floor.
We do not have any parking at the Castle itself but you can park in the disabled bays at the top of the car park in Oxford Road and there is level access across the zebra crossing and up our drive. At the top of our drive there is a ramp which provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and the lift. Please contact us to make prior arrangement for special access.
A spectacular site, with layers of history, from medieval roots to contemporary arts. A beacon of art, culture, history, and food at the heart of the Town of Books.
Originally built in the 12th Century as a border stronghold for the De Braose family, Hay Castle has suffered destruction by fire and siege warfare across the centuries. Now, following a major renovation, it is a shining jewel in the crown of Hay on Wye.
Home to a beautifully restored medieval keep, an exciting new art gallery, and a programme of creative workshops – not to mention a delightful shop and café – this unique blend of old and new architecture has something to offer for all visitors.
Boasting the best rooftop views of Hay and the winding Wye, Hay Castle also offers a stunning animation in the cellar, medieval costumes to try on, a variety of exhibitions, the crown jewels of the Independent Kingdom of Hay, the original Honesty Bookshop, and the space to explore, or simply relax in, the grounds.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
1000 to 1700 hours (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing day and New Year’s Day).
Opening times 27 December to beginning of Spring half term are 1000 to 1600 hours
Cafe & shop opening times are as above.
The Castle will be closed on days when weddings are being held. Please check our website before you travel (www.haycastletrust.org).
Castle Visit – Adults £5* (affords free entry for one year)
16 and under – FREE
Hay Castle Pass Holders – FREE (The Hay Castle Pass is a card that gives unlimited free entry for those who live within a 10-mile radius of the castle. There is a £3 admin charge to cover the costs of the card.).
Friends of Hay Castle – FREE
Castle Visit plus a Tour
Adults – £10
16 and under -FREE
Hay Castle Pass Holders -£5
Large Group Visits
Please email info@haycastletrust.org for more details
Large group visits are always welcome – please contact info@haycastletrust.org for more information.
A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of this unique and historic building. Tours run daily at 11am and 2pm
For larger groups we are able to offer private tours by appointment. Contact info@haycastletrust.org
Hay Castle welcomes school visits throughout the year. Students can explore the amazing history and heritage of the Welsh borderlands, or participate in an array of exciting educational and cultural workshops in our specially made Clore Leaning Space.
For further information, please contact Mari Fforde, Hay Castle’s full-time Activities and Learning Manager, mari.fforde@haycastletrust.org
See www.haycastletrust.org/tours.aspx for details. Please select a date, then choose the tour time, then indicate the number of tickets required.
Children under 16 can enjoy tours free of charge.
Please note: not all parts of the tour have step-free access. Tours do involve going down steps to the cellar – if you may find this difficult then please inform the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
Email info@haycastletrust.org or call 01497 820079 to find out more.
There is lift access to all floors in Hay Castle apart from the cellar (the film on show in the cellar can also be seen on the ipads in the Reading Room). There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor near the café and a further one on the first floor.
We do not have any parking at the Castle itself but you can park in the disabled bays at the top of the car park in Oxford Road and there is level access across the zebra crossing and up our drive. At the top of our drive there is a ramp which provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and the lift. Please contact us to make prior arrangement for special access.
Getting here
Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG
Hay Castle is opposite the big car park on Oxford Road in the centre of Hay-on-Wye. If you are coming from the Brecon direction follow the signs for the main car park and you will see the castle immediately across the road.
Dogs
We are dog friendly at Hay Castle and our canine friends are welcome on the ground floor and in the café as well as in the grounds. Please do keep dogs on a lead at all times – Thank you.
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